LEWISBURG, Pa. – After taking a two-run lead in the top of the first, the Bison made a late comeback in the bottom of the sixth tying the game 3-3 before taking a one run lead in the bottom of the seventh and holding onto it for the remainder of the game.
Junior second baseman
Cameron Hassert hit a two-run dinger in the top of the first bringing in center fielder
AJ Hansen on the deep bomb over the right field wall. Graduate shortstop
Craig Larsen also brought in a run off a singled to right field to drive in a run the 'Cats third run of the game in the top of the sixth.
Freshman pitcher
Graham Moore had a season high of three strikeouts over his 1.2 innings pitched. Moore has started three games this season and made four appearances in relief.
The Wildcats had a hot start with Hansen reaching first on an error by the shortstop and Hassert driving a deep bomb to right field to take an early 2-0 lead over the Bison. Moore made quick work of Bucknell not allowing a hit or run in.
Neither team scored until the bottom of the fourth when the Bison drove in a run off a hard hit ball to the pitcher to make it a one run game.
After a scoreless fifth inning the 'Cats tacked on another run with Larsen singling down the right field line to send Hassert home and extend Villanova's lead. The Bison answered back with two runs of their own with Sean Keys homering to center field and Kyle Lyons with a sacrifice fly RBI to right field for the equalizer.
Villanova made a valiant effort to get back on the board in the top of the seventh when freshman outfielder
Aidan Barry was put in as a pinch runner for
Peter Giombetti, the designated hitter.
Paul Cooke smacked a double and Barry tried to stretch the play by taking home but was tagged out at the plate in the attempt to end the inning. The Bison took the lead in the bottom of the seventh after Jacob Corson doubled to center field and made his way to third after a ground out by his teammate. Corson scored on a wild pitch and took the 4-3 lead in favor of Bucknell.
The 'Cats did manage to get some runners on the bases but couldn't rally any more runs for the rest of the game. Villanova's defense kept Bucknell from extending their lead but ultimately fell in the 4-3 loss.
UP NEXT: The 'Cats return to action on March 24 for a home series versus Iona. First pitch is set for 3 pm on Friday.
